Understanding the C9K-PWR-1500WDC=
The C9K-PWR-1500WDC= is a 1500W DC power supply engineered for Cisco Catalyst 9400 and 9500 Series modular switches. Designed for environments demanding high power redundancy and scalability, it supports mission-critical networks where uptime and power efficiency are nonnegotiable.
Technical Specifications and Compatibility
- Input Voltage: -48V to -60V DC, tailored for telecom and industrial DC power plants.
- Output: 1500W at 54V DC, with N+N redundancy support for fault-tolerant deployments.
- Efficiency: 94% efficiency under typical load, compliant with 80 PLUS Platinum standards.
- Compatibility: Exclusive to Catalyst 9407R, 9410R, 9500-32QC, and 9500-48Y4C chassis.
- Cooling: Dual fan trays with speed modulation to balance airflow and noise.
Why Choose the C9K-PWR-1500WDC= Over AC or Lower-Capacity PSUs?
- Industrial-Grade Resilience: Operates reliably in harsh environments (-40°C to 70°C) where AC grid stability is unreliable.
- High-Density PoE Support: Powers up to 48x 30W PoE+ devices (e.g., IP cameras, Wi-Fi 6E APs) without derating.
- Space Efficiency: Delivers 1.5kW in a single RU slot, reducing the need for additional PSUs in cramped racks.
For deployment guidelines and verified compatibility, refer to “C9K-PWR-1500WDC=” technical resources.
Critical Use Cases for the 1500W DC Power Supply
- 5G Mobile Backhaul: Supports edge routers and aggregation switches in DC-powered telecom hubs.
- Smart Factory Networks: Provides clean, stable power for industrial PoE devices in high-interference settings.
- Modular Data Centers: Integrates with Cisco’s StackWise Virtual architecture for seamless power pooling.
Deployment Best Practices:
- Power Budgeting: Allocate 30% headroom to account for inrush currents during device startups.
- Grounding: Use 6 AWG copper grounding wires to prevent voltage fluctuations.
- Monitoring: Enable Cisco’s Power Manager to track real-time consumption and PSU health.
Addressing Common User Questions
Q: Is this PSU hot-swappable?
Yes, but only when a redundant PSU is active. Always verify redundancy status before removal.
Q: Can it operate with mixed AC/DC power inputs?
No. Catalyst 9400/9500 chassis must use uniform AC or DC PSUs; mixing invalidates warranties.
Q: What’s the MTBF rating?
Cisco guarantees 200,000 hours (~23 years) under standard operating conditions.
The Overlooked Risks of Underpowered Deployments
During a refinery’s network overhaul, a client’s Catalyst 9400 chassis with 1100W PSUs repeatedly tripped breakers when 40+ PoE+ sensors activated simultaneously. Upgrading to the C9K-PWR-1500WDC= resolved the issue by distributing inrush currents across redundant units. While some view high-wattage PSUs as overkill, they’re often the cheapest insurance against downtime in high-density setups. In my experience, underestimating power needs isn’t a cost-saving tactic—it’s a gamble few enterprises can afford.